READERS WRITE: Election 2008

Media must be objective, vigilant

Sen. Barack Obama’s victory should be recognized not only as a defining moment in U.S. politics and race relations, but also for its global relevance. America has been reaffirmed as a symbol of democracy and equality. We have just experienced an “I-was-there-when” moment. The media, sensing the magnitude, seized this story and in doing so partially abdicated its key role as an objective arbiter.

Now is the time to return to unbiased objectivity and hold the new administration accountable for its actions. This is integral for a functioning democracy. Should the media give a pass to the president-elect, the country risks losing the respect it earned by his victory. In Russia, independent journalists are routinely killed. These professionals crave our press freedom. Should our press not hold all politicians accountable, we risk the right to challenge foreign regimes on their press freedoms and treatment of journalists.

ROB MORRISON

Woodstock

New first family makes it historic

This is the moment I will remember: The scene on the screen was Grant Park. Barack Obama had been elected president. John McCain had graciously conceded, and we were waiting for the president-elect to speak.

Then an announcer’s voice came on and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, the next first family of the United States,” and the Obama family came onto the stage. Four African-American faces. Then it was real. Then the historic nature of this moment really sank in. Thank you, America.

JASON D. STOREY

Dublin, Ga.

Finally, an answer for (Rodney) King

Rodney King’s plaintive cry, “Can’t we all just get along?” was answered Tuesday night: “Yes, we can!” “Yes, we can!” “Yes, we can!”

CHERIE PENTECOST

Dunwoody

Fashionable choice not the best one

Remember in high school how clothes came in style? One kid wore something, slowly others caught on and before you knew it, fashion was born. You became hip and popular based much on how you dressed, or quickly a loser and outcast if you didn’t follow the fad.

What a perfect analogy for why Barack Obama won this election. On Tuesday, those shallow high school memories came back to me when, after voting, I saw a mother at the playground wearing a glitzy, black, rhinestone-studded T-shirt that said “Barack Star.” As I sat there donning my modest McCain/Palin pin, I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.

Is anyone else embarrassed and outraged by the maddening reality that after growing up so many Americans still idolize and swoon over the cool, well-dressed guy who has all the right lines? As it was in high school, the trendy guy won class president not because he was the best candidate, but because he was popular.

But years later as adults at our class reunions, we realize who the cool and remarkable kids were —- the outcasts. Honestly, America, high school is long gone and we are big kids now. Many of you should have voted like one.

JENNIFER LLOYD

Decatur

Obama’s success a self-interest for all

The economy doomed John McCain. It was an uphill fight all along, but in September when the economy tanked, it was over for McCain. The last time there was a bad economy and the White House did not change parties was 1900. McCain had 108 years of history against him.

Although I was strongly against Barack Obama, he is now our president and it is in the self-interest of us all to hope he does a good job. I can only hope that much of his rhetoric was said to get elected and will never become policy.

BILL BURNS

Stone Mountain

Oh, happy day, Mr. Wooten

The day after John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, Jim Wooten wrote:

“Vice presidential candidates rarely affect election outcomes. The selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will” (“McCain’s choice of Palin erases doubts,” @issue, Aug. 31). He ended his editorial with “Oh, happy day.”

Indeed, Sarah Palin did have an effect on the outcome of the election, and so I would like to close my comments with the same thought: “Oh, happy day!”

TIM YODER

Atlanta